My son Adam is four years old and has had 14 pdl surgeries. He has not had one for a year now. We decided to halt treatments last year because Adam was aware of and disliked the bruising after surgery, and we wanted to avoid attributing any negative connotation at all to the birthmark. His plastic surgeon felt that we had made great progress, at least 75%, and that stopping would make sense.

The problem is that we are definitely noticing a regression of the stain, and we don't know whether or not to proceed with touch up treatments. Does anyone have any suggestions about how we can broach this with Adam so that he won't perceive his pws in a negative way? Any suggestions at all on how to deal with his awakening to the fact that he has a pws would be great. He knows he has a birthmark, but I don't think he really sees it, which is wonderful. I want him to accept it as part of himself. However, I am not naive to the fact that as he gets older and as he interacts away from home, this will become more difficult.

Mission Statement:
An international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome to the appropriate
medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment, provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, mobilizes medical missions trips, and
supports research and programs that promote acceptance for individuals with birthmarks.

DISCLAIMER
Information accessed through the VBF is presented in summary form
in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis
and treatment of vascular birthmarks. Such information is not complete
and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit
with your physician or other health care provider. Information accessed
through VBF website is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect
of vascular birthmarks. VBF makes no warranty as to the information's
completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health
care related questions regarding this matter, please see your physician
or other health care provider promptly.

Information accessed through the VBF website is provided "AS
IS" and without warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose are
hereby excluded. VBF shall not be liable under any theory or indemnity.
In no event shall VBF be liable for any damages, direct or indirect,
and all other damages, direct or indirect, special, incidental,
consequential or punitive, are hereby excluded even if VBF has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.